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Credit: Inside the MagicIf you were holding out hope that Disney might change its mind, consider that hope officially sunk—literally.
Rivers of America, once one of the most iconic and peaceful corners of Magic Kingdom, is being drained—not figuratively, not symbolically, but actually. The process has started, the water line is dropping, and the photos don’t lie.
Disney has already confirmed that Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat are permanently closed. Now, fans are watching the physical transformation unfold—and it’s kind of heartbreaking to see the water fade from a space that’s been so central to Magic Kingdom for over five decades.
A River Runs… Away
The changes began earlier this month when Disney officially closed the entire Rivers of America section, including guest-favorite walkways, rafts, and the beloved riverboat ride. Now, as construction ramps up on Magic Kingdom’s biggest expansion in years, the water’s disappearing slowly—day by day.
Guests standing along the Liberty Square railing or peeking across from Big Thunder Mountain can now clearly see that the water level is lower than it used to be. While it’s not drained completely yet, it’s very clear that the process is underway. It’s a visual gut punch for longtime fans who grew up taking a slow, scenic trip around Tom Sawyer Island or catching a glimpse of animatronic wildlife hiding in the brush.
Rivers of America can be seen slowly draining. (7/24/25) pic.twitter.com/0SN8ciKB6M
— Mickey Central (@Mickey_Central) July 24, 2025
The draining isn’t happening overnight, but it is happening—and the timeline lines up perfectly with what we already know is coming.
What’s Replacing It?
This major transformation is making way for something brand new: a land inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014).
The new themed area will be called Piston Peak National Park—an all-original Disney creation themed after the world of Cars and Planes, but more rustic and nature-inspired than Radiator Springs over in Disneyland. Unlike a direct clone of California Adventure’s Cars Land, this new land will focus on a fictional wilderness park setting, complete with forest lodges, rock formations, and even smokejumpers.
Piston Peak will reportedly feature two major attractions. The first is a high-speed off-road rally ride, expected to bring some serious thrill factor to the park. The second is a more family-friendly offering, possibly a scenic ride or interactive attraction set inside a national park-style visitor center. Both rides will be housed in intricately themed buildings inspired by America’s rugged wilderness areas.
This whole area will be carved out of the back of Frontierland, which means anything that once floated, strolled, or sailed through Rivers of America is now part of history.
Why It Feels So Strange
Disney fans are used to change. EPCOT has practically had a construction wall as its mascot for the past five years. But this one hits differently. Rivers of America was a quiet, shaded escape in a park that’s increasingly become a maze of high-energy attractions, shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and mobile order pickups.
For many, the Liberty Belle Riverboat wasn’t just a ride—it was a tradition. A chance to rest your feet, snap some truly serene photos, and experience Magic Kingdom in a way that didn’t involve zipping through space or dodging pirates.
Tom Sawyer Island added to that magic with its rope bridges, hidden caves, and winding paths that felt like a playground for kids and a nostalgic trip for adults. It’s the kind of thing that doesn’t generate the same wait times or Instagram photos as a rollercoaster, but still manages to stick with you.
Now? That quiet corner is turning into a construction zone.
A Long Wait Ahead
Here’s the kicker: we’re not getting Piston Peak anytime soon. According to insiders and construction timelines, the land likely won’t open until 2028 at the earliest. And that’s being optimistic.
This isn’t a re-theme—it’s a full-blown new land. That means new ride systems, new infrastructure, and in this case, a major reworking of Magic Kingdom’s original layout. The river has to be drained. The tracks for the Liberty Belle have to be dismantled. Tom Sawyer Island’s bridges and fort? Gone. It’s a massive project, and Disney knows they can’t afford to mess this up.
Especially with Epic Universe now open and pulling in some serious Orlando buzz, Disney’s playing the long game here. Piston Peak, along with the also-rumored Villains Land, is part of their strategy to keep Magic Kingdom fresh, relevant, and competitive.
But still: 2028 feels very far away when you’re staring at an empty riverbed in the heart of Liberty Square.
The End of an Era—And the Start of Something New
There’s something symbolic about draining the Rivers of America. It doesn’t just mark a new construction project—it marks a turning point in what Magic Kingdom is becoming.
It’s no longer just the park of quaint boat rides and old-school charm. It’s evolving, aiming for more thrills, more storytelling, and yes, more franchise synergy. That might be exciting for new guests, especially younger fans who grew up watching Cars and Planes. But for longtime Disney World lovers, this transition is bittersweet.
So, if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom in the next few weeks, take a moment. Walk over to the railing and look out across the slowly receding water. It’s one of the last glimpses you’ll get of that view. And while the future may be bright—and full of Dusty Crophopper merchandise—it’s okay to mourn what’s being lost along the way.